Penang to allow sacrificial rituals with strict adherence to SOP

GEORGE TOWN, June 19 -- Penang will allow the animal sacrificial rites (ibadah korban) to be held in conjunction with Aidiladha, and this can only be carried out at mosques, surau compounds and slaughterhouses, with strict adherence to the set standard operating procedures (SOP).

Deputy Chief Minister 1 Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman, who is also state Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) president, said the number of animals to be slaughtered is subject to regulations and only 25 individuals are allowed to be involved in the activity.

“As for slaughterhouses under the the jurisdiction of the local authorities, Veterinary Department and private companies, there is no limit on the number of sacrificial animals.

“At the mosques, only 10 cattle, buffaloes or camels and 20 (goats) are allowed, while at the surau, five (cattle, buffaloes or camels) and 10 (goats) with a maximum of 25 volunteers,” he said in a statement today.

He said MAINPP has also fixed that daily, only five animals can be slaughtered at mosques and surau.

Ahmad Zakiyuddin said participants are not allowed to be at the slaughter site and those involved must register online prior to performing the rites, adding that aqiqah is also not allowed.

He said mosque and surau organising committees must obtain permission from the district religious offices and ensure SOP compliance to curb COVID-19 transmission.

“Cooking activities are not allowed at the slaughter sites and the workers’ food must be packed while the sacrificial meat are to be distributed from house to house,” he said.

He said the police, Health Ministry, Veterinary Department, local authorities and Penang Islamic Religious Affairs Department would conduct monitoring to ensure all parties adhere to the SOPs.

-- BERNAMA